Teeing off in Jamaica for the 28th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament

Travel industry personnel from coast-to-coast dressed up with some creative outfits on a quest to take home the title of Best Team Spirit on day one of the 28th annual Canadian Travel Industry Golf Tournament underway this week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Team Fareconnect from Winnipeg, Man. rocked matching Scottish golf attire while members of Air Canada Vacations donned fisherman’s hats in celebration of Newfoundland’s long connection to Jamaica.

“We are celebrating the true partnership between Jamaica and Newfoundland,” shared ACV’s Judy Munden, an area sales manager for Atlantic Canada, while distributing some Screech rum to attendees. “During the prohibition, 16-1700s, Newfoundland traded salted cod to Jamaica and Jamaica traded rum to Newfoundland. When that rum gets to Newfoundland, they make Newfoundland Screech. So together united, forever, so we’re celebrating that.” 

Presented by Sandals Resorts and Baxter Media, members of the Canadian travel industry are teeing off at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club for two days of golf (along with essential jerk chicken stops) while a number of fun events are also planned at Sandals Ochi, including a cocktail reception, an awards dinner and a farewell beach party.

“I think people have learned that it’s an amazing golfing event but also filled with interaction and networking and they become friends, they get to see Jamaica, continue to sell Jamaica but also experience the amazing culture of the Jamaican destination,” said Maureen Barnes-Smith, vice-president sales and marketing Canada, Unique Vacations Canada Inc. “Travel agents are the core of our business in Canada. We’ve had an office there for over 30 years — I just celebrated by 30th year anniversary. The travel agent community is a cornerstone to our product.”

Throughout the week agents also have the opportunity to take part in site tours and excursions.

Celebrity golf entertainer Todd Keirstead is also on the course, performing trick shots.

“He brings something different — a new fun energy to it — and again we’re raising funds for The Sandals Foundation, which is in its 15th year so we want to blow the top off what we did last year. We raised almost $2,000 last year,” Barnes-Smith said.

Along with travel advisors, partners from WestJet and Air Canada Vacations are also participating in the tournament. Notably, members of the ACV team get nominated by their colleagues as a reward for their hard work throughout the year to take part in the event.

“Baxter Media has been a proud co-sponsor of this golf tournament since its inception,” shared David McClung, president, Baxter Media. “Over the years, this event has proven time and time again the value of strong partnerships and has provided an opportunity to establish long-lasting friendships with our travel industry colleagues.”